Patents by Inventor James H. Holt

James H. Holt has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8631875
    Abstract: An insert device can straddle an existing production string port into the annulus such as through an open sliding sleeve so that annulus access into the production string is available. An injection string is associated with the insert to allow placement of the injection fluid at the desired location even if that location is below an isolation packer. The port can be part of an existing ported sub such as a sliding sleeve. Alternatively, the port can be created at a desired location and the insert supported with an anchor so that spaced seals straddle the port that is created to allow injection access from the annulus into the production tubing. The produced fluids pass around the injection tubing and through the insert body to get to the surface. The insert can be removed if needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Hai H. Nguyen, James H. Holt, James H. Kriztler
  • Publication number: 20120312554
    Abstract: An insert device can straddle an existing production string port into the annulus such as through an open sliding sleeve so that annulus access into the production string is available. An injection string is associated with the insert to allow placement of the injection fluid at the desired location even if that location is below an isolation packer. The port can be part of an existing ported sub such as a sliding sleeve. Alternatively, the port can be created at a desired location and the insert supported with an anchor so that spaced seals straddle the port that is created to allow injection access from the annulus into the production tubing. The produced fluids pass around the injection tubing and through the insert body to get to the surface. The insert can be removed if needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Hai H. Nguyen, James H. Holt, James H. Kritzler
  • Patent number: 7841399
    Abstract: A flow adapter includes an adapter body which defines a central axial flow bore and one or more lateral flow openings for fluid communication between the central flow bore and a production tubing flowbore surrounding the adapter. The central axial flow bore of the flow adapter provides a flow restriction which creates a pressure drop across the flow adapter. The flow restriction may be in the form of a conically tapered flowbore wherein the downstream end of the flowbore has a diameter that is less than the diameter of the upstream end of the flowbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: James H. Holt, Jr., Joel M. Riggs, Richard YingQing Xu
  • Publication number: 20090308597
    Abstract: A flow adapter includes an adapter body which defines a central axial flow bore and one or more lateral flow openings for fluid communication between the central flow bore and a production tubing flowbore surrounding the adapter. The central axial flow bore of the flow adapter provides a flow restriction which creates a pressure drop across the flow adapter. The flow restriction may be in the form of a conically tapered flowbore wherein the downstream end of the flowbore has a diameter that is less than the diameter of the upstream end of the flowbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: James H. Holt, JR., Joel M. Riggs, Richard YingQing Xu
  • Patent number: 7431082
    Abstract: One or more control lines or other types of lines can be run past a downhole tool such as a side pocket mandrel, for example, in a longitudinal groove with a retaining feature for the control line where the assembly leaves little to stick out and get damaged on run in or on pulling out of the hole. In the preferred version, the groove is a dovetail and at least one retainer can be slipped into the dovetail. Lateral bores into the dovetail allow pins to be driven into a wedge shaped retainer to force it against the control line or lines such that the shape of the dovetail and the shape of the wedge retainer trap the control line within the dovetail. Upon assembly, nothing sticks out from the dovetail or the downhole tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: James H. Holt, Clark W. Beam
  • Patent number: 7373980
    Abstract: In systems and methods for production of hydrocarbons fluids from a formation surrounding a wellbore, a production assembly is cemented into place, and excess cement is then cleaned from the production tubing and liner. Thereafter, hydrocarbon fluids are produced and artificial gas lift assistance is provided. All of this may be accomplished in a single trip (mono-trip) of the production tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Keith E. Lewis, Anthony James Orchard, Joseph C. H. Yeo, Jim H. Kritzler, Walter R. Chapman, James H. Holt
  • Patent number: 7360602
    Abstract: Gas lift valve designs and gas lift systems are described that feature a positive closure mechanism that is highly resistant to significant wear or damage that would result in fluid leakage. A pivotable flapper member is incorporated into a gas lift valve and used as a flow control mechanism. The flapper member provides a positive barrier to fluid flow from the production tubing to the annulus, even after substantial wear or damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: James H. Kritzler, James H. Holt, Vic Randazzo, Walt R. Chapman
  • Patent number: 7228897
    Abstract: Well completion cement may be pumped through a side pocket mandrel that includes parallel rows of filler sections to exclude cement from void space within the side pocket tube. The filler sections are drilled with cross-flow jet channels and surface upsets to stimulate scrubbing turbulence by well working fluid behind a cement wiper plug. The wiper plug includes leading and trailing groups of wiper discs secured to an elongated shaft. The two wiper groups are separated by a distance that permits the leading seal group to gain traction seal before the push seal on the trailing wiper group is lost. A spring centralizer spans a center section of the shaft between the two wiper groups to maintain axial alignment of the shaft as the plug traverses the length of a mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: James H. Holt, Jr., Walter R. Chapman, James H. Kritzler, Jeffrey L. Osselburn, Keith E. Lewis
  • Patent number: 7093652
    Abstract: A plunger for use in tubulars in wells which produce fluids and/or gases under variable pressure. The plunger has at least two separate jackets comprised of segments mounted about one body or bodies joined by a connector, which collectively have increased sealing, holding, and lifting capabilities. A inner turbulent or labyrinth-type seal is accomplished by circumferential grooves on the core and/or fingers which project inwardly from the underside of the segments. The plunger body may also have an internal passage to facilitate more rapid descent, and a simplified stopper housed inside a chamber which is actuated when the plunger reaches a well stop or well bottom and which is held in a closed position by the build up of pressure below the plunger. When the pressure inside the tubulars above the plunger is reduced, the plunger and fluids move upwardly to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Inventors: William R. Gray, James H. Holt
  • Patent number: 7069992
    Abstract: In systems and methods for production of hydrocarbons fluids from a formation surrounding a wellbore, a production assembly is cemented into place, and excess cement is then cleaned from the production tubing and liner. Thereafter, hydrocarbon fluids are produced and artificial gas lift assistance is provided. All of this may be accomplished in a single trip (mono-trip) of the production tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Keith E. Lewis, Anthony James Orchard, Joseph C. H. Yeo, Jim H. Kritzler, Walter R. Chapman, James H. Holt
  • Publication number: 20040112599
    Abstract: Well completion cement may be pumped through a side pocket mandrel that includes parallel rows of filler sections to exclude cement from void space within the side pocket tube. The filler sections are drilled with cross-flow jet channels and surface upsets to stimulate scrubbing turbulence by well working fluid behind a cement wiper plug. The wiper plug includes leading and trailing groups of wiper discs secured to an elongated shaft. The two wiper groups are separated by a distance that permits the leading seal group to gain traction seal before the push seal on the trailing wiper group is lost. A spring centralizer spans a center section of the shaft between the two wiper groups to maintain axial alignment of the shaft as the plug traverses the length of a mandrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: James H. Holt, Walter R. Chapman, James H. Kritzler, Jeffrey L. Osselburn, Keith E. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20040112606
    Abstract: In systems and methods for production of hydrocarbons fluids from a formation surrounding a wellbore, a production assembly is cemented into place, and excess cement is then cleaned from the production tubing and liner. Thereafter, hydrocarbon fluids are produced and artificial gas lift assistance is provided. All of this may be accomplished in a single trip (mono-trip) of the production tubing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Keith E. Lewis, Anthony James Orchard, Joseph C. H. Yeo, Jim H. Kritzler, Walter R. Chapman, James H. Holt
  • Patent number: 6725916
    Abstract: A plunger for use in downhole tubulars in wells which produce fluids and/or gases under variable pressure, which has an internal passage to facilitate more rapid descent of the plunger to the well bottom or well stop. The plunger has a stopper housed inside a chamber that is actuated when the plunger and stopper stem reach bottom or a well stop and which is held in a closed position by the build up of pressure below the plunger. The plunger may also have a jacket mounted about a core which has sealing, holding, and lifting capabilities. The plunger may also have fingers which project inwardly from the underside of the jacket toward the inner core which may also be grooved and which provides an inner turbulent or labyrinth-type seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventors: William R. Gray, James H. Holt
  • Publication number: 20030155117
    Abstract: A plunger for use in downhole tubulars in wells which produce fluids and/or gases under variable pressure, which has an internal passage to facilitate more rapid descent of the plunger to the well bottom or well stop. The plunger has a stopper housed inside a chamber that is actuated when the plunger and stopper stem reach bottom or a well stop and which is held in a closed position by the build up of pressure below the plunger. The plunger may also have a jacket mounted about a core which has sealing, holding, and lifting capabilities. The plunger may also have fingers which project inwardly from the underside of the jacket toward the inner core which may also be grooved and which provides an inner turbulent or labyrinth-type seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: William R. Gray, James H. Holt
  • Publication number: 20030155129
    Abstract: A plunger for use in downhole tubulars in wells which produce fluids and/or gases under variable pressure. The plunger is slidingly engageable within the tubulars and capable of movement up and down the tubulars, and has a jacket comprised of segments mounted about a core which have sealing, holding, and lifting capabilities. An inner turbulent or labyrinth-type seal is accomplished by circumferential grooves on the core and/or fingers which project inwardly from the underside of the segments. When the pressure inside the tubulars above the plunger is reduced, the plunger and fluids move upwardly to the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: William R. Gray, James H. Holt
  • Publication number: 20030155116
    Abstract: A plunger for use in tubulars in wells which produce fluids and/or gases under variable pressure. The plunger has at least two separate jackets comprised of segments mounted about one body or bodies joined by a connector, which collectively have increased sealing, holding, and lifting capabilities. A inner turbulent or labyrinth-type seal is accomplished by circumferential grooves on the core and/or fingers which project inwardly from the underside of the segments. The plunger body may also have an internal passage to facilitate more rapid descent, and a simplified stopper housed inside a chamber which is actuated when the plunger reaches a well stop or well bottom and which is held in a closed position by the build up of pressure below the plunger. When the pressure inside the tubulars above the plunger is reduced, the plunger and fluids move upwardly to the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: William R. Gray, James H. Holt
  • Patent number: 6491105
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cross-over housing for a gas lift valve. In the present invention, the series of radial apertures, or jets, typically utilized within the cross-over housing of a production pressure operated gas lift valve are removed. In their place, a substantially continuous through opening is employed, having an area somewhat greater than the area of the pressure chamber seat. This avoids the occurrence of sonic flow, or critical flow, within the jets of the prior art which hampered the ability of the pressure chamber valve to close. The new configuration for the cross-over housing allows the bellows within the pressure chamber to sense the decrease in production fluid pressure, or tubing pressure, as gas is injected, allowing the pressure chamber valve to be reseated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: James H. Holt, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20020139534
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved cross-over housing for a gas lift valve. In the present invention, the series of radial apertures, or jets, typically utilized within the cross-over housing of a production pressure operated gas lift valve are removed. In their place, a substantially continuous through opening is employed, having an area somewhat greater than the area of the pressure chamber seat. This avoids the occurrence of sonic flow, or critical flow, within the jets of the prior art which hampered the ability of the pressure chamber valve to close. The new configuration for the cross-over housing allows the bellows within the pressure chamber to sense the decrease in production fluid pressure, or tubing pressure, as gas is injected, allowing the pressure chamber valve to be reseated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Applicant: Weatherford/Lamb
    Inventor: James H. Holt
  • Patent number: 4759410
    Abstract: A side pocket mandrel for use in well tubing. The mandrel has a body, having an open bore extending through the body in alignment with the well tubing, and a side pocket offset from the bore. A valve receptacle is formed in the side pocket of the mandrel. The body of the mandrel has a plurality of forged indentations. These indentations are axially spaced above the valve receptacle and extend into the side pocket for a distance sufficient to keep well tools from entering the valve receptacle. The indentations may also taper away from the valve receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1988
    Assignee: Hughes Tool Company
    Inventors: Wilhelm E. Benker, James H. Holt, Jr., Max A. Threadgill
  • Patent number: 4240503
    Abstract: Rams are provided in a blowout preventer to shear the drill string and seal the well bore should the need arise. Two shearing rams have cutting blades which shear the drill pipe. A seal member is mounted behind one of the cutting blades and is adapted to move into sealing position after shearing has occurred. Elastsomer flow into areas where there has been damage to the seal member is permitted by the design of the seal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1980
    Assignee: Hydril Company
    Inventors: James H. Holt, Jr., Morris Newman